New York City plans to launch a $53 million pilot program providing prepaid credit cards to 500 migrant families at the Roosevelt Hotel for purchasing food and baby supplies.
The initiative aims to save the city over $7.2 million annually and may expand to encompass all 15,000 migrant families in hotels.
The prepaid cards, managed by Mobility Capital Finance, are restricted to specific stores and require an affidavit ensuring funds are spent solely on approved items.
“Not only will this provide families with the ability to purchase fresh food for their culturally relevant diets and the baby supplies of their choosing, but the pilot program is expected to save New York City more than $600,000 per month, or more than $7.2 million annually,” Adams’ spokesperson said.
Mayor Eric Adams has labeled the influx of migrants a humanitarian crisis, estimating a $12 billion cost over three years.
“MoCaFi looks forward to partnering with New York City to disburse funds for asylum seekers to purchase fresh, hot food,” MoCaFi CEO and founder Wole Coaxum said. “MoCaFi’s goal is to expand access to financial resources for individuals excluded from banking, such as asylum seekers, while helping the local economy.”
Despite the city’s efforts, critics argue that such policies may encourage further immigration.
“If I were promoting an event and wanted to attract the biggest possible crowd without worrying about losing money, I’d make admission free and give everyone complimentary pizza and beer,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs wrote on X. “That’s kinda immigration policy right now.”
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